Despite all the new drug choices, the use of antidepressants increased only modestly during the last decade -- from about 74% of patients treated in 1998 to 75% in 2007, the survey revealed.

But there was a dramatic decline in the number of treated patients who received psychotherapy.

In 1998, almost 54% of patients being treated for depression had some form of psychotherapy, compared to 43% in 2007.

Columbia University psychiatry professor Mark Olfson, MD, MPH, who was a co-author of the survey, says the decline in psychotherapy was disproportionately high among medically underserved populations including Hispanics and the poor.

“While it is good news that depression treatment seems to be more accessible, the decline in psychotherapy raises the possibility that many patients aren't receiving optimal care,” Olfson tells WebMD.

Depression Treatment Trends

Overall, the number of Americans who received outpatient treatment for depression increased from about 6.5 million to 8.7 million between 1998 and 2007.

After adjusting for inflation, there was an increase in public expenditures for outpatient depression treatment, with the biggest rise seen for older Americans receiving Medicare.

Medicare costs for depression treatment were estimated to be roughly $2.2 billion in 2007, compared to around half a billion dollars in 1998 -- a more than 300% increase.

Among teens treated for depression, antidepressant use decreased from 60% to 52%, possibly reflecting concerns about suicide risk with the drugs. But psychotherapy also declined from 75% to around 66% during the period, and combination treatment with drugs and psychotherapy dropped from 46% to 35%.

The decline in psychotherapy was seen in whites, African-Americans, and Hispanics, but was greatest in Hispanics. During the period, the percentage of treated Hispanics getting psychotherapy fell from 60% to 43%.

The psychotherapy decline was seen for all educational levels except one -- people with advanced degrees. Among those treated for depression with more than four years of college, psychotherapy use increased from 45% to 55%. Antidepressant use also increased in this group, as did the use of antidepressants with psychotherapy.